leap, debate opponents in a single bound. >> we know that governor romney's been practicing for months. i think the invasion of normandy took less preparation than he's putting into these debates. >> he's articulate, smart. he did a great job in 2008 during that campaign as a debater. he had some tough debates with hillary clinton and he performed well. >> well, that was rob portman, of course, who has been prepping governor romney. before that, senior obama campaign advisor david axelrod. each has been working as though the entire campaign depends on what happens in next week's debate. the question is will it? we will talk about that in a moment. first, one indisputable truth, debates can make history. >> i have been -- >> september 26, 1960. the first televised presidential debate, signaling a new era where appearances matter more than ever and gaffes, however small, are magnified. >> the goals are the same for all americans. >> john f. kennedy, a young senator from massachusetts, facing off against vice president richard nixon, who is known to be a fierce debater. but on screen, ken
